Areas of Practice
View Larger Map
|
May 18th, 2012
A DUI is a very serious crime that can impact any individual’s life in an instant. When you have the slightest amount to drink, take illegal drugs, or prescription drugs without knowing the side effects associated with it you are putting yourself and others at risk of an accident occurring that can easily result in injuries, and even death. However, when individuals get the opportunity to celebrate and participate in holidays with their family and friends they want to stay calm, and relaxed unlike what their usual busy, and hectic schedules permit. However, do you know all you need to know about holidays and DUIs?
Holidays: How, and Why?
When holidays come about whether it is Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, or New Years it is always expected that individuals are going to have celebrations or parties, which more than likely will include alcohol at some point or another. However, holidays are a time when DUI enforcement is stepped up completely. Usually, many individuals who do participate in alcohol consumption during these holiday events unfortunately drink and drive. Yet, are these upped DUI efforts helping or hurting?
The Truth of Behind The Scenes
Most of the time the positive aspects of the holiday DUI efforts are overlooked by more and more individuals being falsely charged, and convicted of a driving while under the influence. Many studies have shown that during these holiday seasons more individuals have been charged with false DUIs as a result of police officers either trying to meet a quota, basically getting “trigger happy”, or simply trying to make a statement about the location, or community that the DUI efforts are within. However, when you are charged with a false DUI, and later convicted you face the exact same consequences as an individual who truly commits a DUI crime. Some consequences include, but are not limited to:
- License suspension
- Jail time
- Legal fines
- Probation
- Employment termination
- Child custody issues
- Required participation in post-DUI programs
A DUI crime is a very serious crime that impacts the lives of many each and every day. Committing, or being falsely accused of driving under the influence can impact your life now, and unfortunately later. When you have been falsely accused of a DUI, or have had hardships with your DUI crime make sure to contact a dedicated attorney today in order to make sure that you get the results you deserve. Holidays are for relaxation and family time. Make sure that when you are enjoying your holidays that you mix the alcohol with only beverages, not driving.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: DUI lawyer in Pittsburgh
Posted in DUI, DUI Penalties | Comments Off
May 17th, 2012
Three letters can instantly change an individual’s life in an instant for years to come: DUI. When an individual is charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, or other drugs whether they are prescription medications, or illegal substances they face many hurdles and consequences that last now, and later. However, many individuals have different thoughts, and ideas when it comes down to drinking and driving, which inevitably ends up with more individuals being charged, and later convicted of a DUI. So, when is it okay for an individual to be on the roadways with alcohol in their bodies?
The Facts of Drinking
When you drink alcohol, or anything for that matter it gets absorbed in your body. Your body works sort of like a sponge. When you drink or eat something you absorb that substance in your organs and parts of the body. Later, your body secretes these using the excretory system. However, the time period that the alcohol is actually in your body can last for hours, even simply from one drink. So when you have a drink at 6 p.m. it is likely that at 8 p.m. when you think you are completely sober and get behind the wheel of your car that there are still traces of alcohol within your body.
Truths of Driving While Intoxicated
While the legal limit for an individual is a blood alcohol content, or BAC, number of .08 individuals can still easily face charges and consequences with a BAC score of just .01. Recently, a study has been done that shows that drivers who have just one single drink are statistically more likely to have an accident than a completely sober driver. Drivers who have just a small amount of alcohol are more likely to do the following that easily contributes to an accident:
- Speed
- Ignore traffic signals
- Swerve in and out of lanes
- Follow closely behind other motorists
- Pay attention to other aspects of their vehicle other than actually driving
- Not show proper traffic behavior and etiquette
Whether you have had one drink, or many, drinking and driving simply does not go together. When you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle make sure that safety is your prime concern when driving. However, we are only humans so mistakes are natural. When you have had a DUI incident, or been falsely accused make sure to contact an experienced attorney today.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Attorney
Posted in Costs of a DUI, DUI | Comments Off
May 16th, 2012
A DUI is a very serious crime that takes the lives of many each and every year. When you usually think of a DUI crime you think of an individual simply having a bit too much to drink and getting behind of the wheel of a vehicle. However, that is not always the case in our world today. Many individuals that are actually charged, and later convicted of a DUI crime actually are driving under the influence of drugs, whether they are prescription medications, or illegal substances. However, what happens when you driver under the influence of marijuana?
The Green Meany
Marijuana is an illegal substance in the United States, but this does not stop individuals not only from using it, but from also abusing it as well. Marijuana has many different street names, or names within pop culture, however, the usual names individuals call it is either “weed”, or “pot”. The substance actually creates a high for the individual who smokes, or consumes the substance, which can last a short period of time, or also for long periods as well. Yet, marijuana presents a larger issue for drivers whether they are participating in using the substance or not.
Pot Problems
Similar to alcohol, individuals who are either “high” or use marijuana exhibit physical, and responsive side effects of being under the influence of the substance. Some side effects include, but are not limited:
- Blood-shot eyes
- Delayed responses
- Swerving on roadways
- Slurred speech
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Going above, or under the speed limit
Whether you are under the influence of alcohol, or marijuana it is all the same in the eyes of the law. While field sobriety tests are limited to that of a breathalyzer at the moment, which is to determine the blood alcohol content, or BAC, of an individual consuming alcohol; many law enforcement offices are now looking into salivary tests that will be done during a field sobriety test as well. When you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, prescription medications, or anything that takes away from your concentration of safety out on the roadways you are putting not only yourself at risk of being injured, and killed, but all others out on the roadways as well.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in DUI, Drug Crimes, Marijuana Possession | Comments Off
May 15th, 2012
Driving is a part of our lives that we literally participate in doing so each and every day. Whether we are running errands, going on a vacation, or picking up the groceries we rely on our motor vehicles to get all of these accomplished. However, all of these can be put to a halt in an instant thanks to individuals not paying attention to the roadways. When you get behind the wheel of a car whether you are drinking and driving, or just not paying attention you are not only putting yourself at a heightened risk of serious, debilitating injuries and death, but also other motorists and pedestrians alike.
Defining the Situation
Today, the most common contributor to accidents out on the roadways in the United States is that of reckless driving. However, what is reckless driving? Reckless driving is when a motor vehicle operator is behind the wheel of a car and has averted their attention away from the matter of driving, and their safety to something menial that simply is a distraction that dangerously is putting everyone at risk of an accident. Usually individuals accomplish reckless driving by talking or texting on their cellphones, playing with their radio consoles, or simply just not caring to concentrate on the matters at hand.
The Results of Reckless Driving
You might not know it, but many individuals can be pulled over, given tickets, and even charged, and later convicted of a crime simply from being a reckless driver. Some reckless driving examples include, but are not limited to:
- Going over, or under the speed limit
- Tailgating other drivers
- Swerving between lanes
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Failure to give the proper traffic signals
- Stopping the vehicle at random
When you have been charged with reckless driving you face many different consequences. Individuals can easily have to deal with consequences that include, but are not limited to:
- License suspension
- Legal fines
- Possible jail time
Make sure when you are out on the roads operating a motor vehicle that your safety, as well as others is held at a higher standard than other tasks you could be doing while you are driving. However, mistakes and accidents are a common part of life. When you have been charged with reckless driving, or a DUI make sure to fight for your rights today with an experienced attorney at your side.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Attorney
Posted in Aggressive Driving, DUI | Comments Off
May 14th, 2012
Today, it would not be uncommon for any individual from any walk of life to witness a DUI crime occurring. When an individual gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or any drug substance for that matter they raise the risk of everyone becoming injured, or even killed. When an individual drives while under the influence they are impacting their present and future. However, did you know that driver’s actually have options when it comes down to their DUI investigation?
The Background of The Breathalyzer
When an individual is getting pulled over for a suspected, or assumed DUI they are under the impression that they have to cooperate and abide by everything that the police officer asks them to. Yet, that is not the case at all. The breathalyzer portion of a field sobriety test is very commonly known, especially for it predicting false results and contributing to individuals being charged with a DUI. Breathalyzers are there to take the BAC, or blood alcohol content, score of an individual’s breath. In Pennsylvania and most parts of the country it is illegal to have a BAC over the legal limit of .08. Yet, when breathalyzers take your BAC it can easily pick up other factors of your breath such as what you ate, if you smoke, and even if you have false teeth or not.
The Consequences
With so many things that can contribute to you receiving a false DUI many people want to opt out of participating in a breathalyzer test. However, there are consequences to such an action. Refusing to participate in a breathalyzer examination is actually a civil offense, which means that your license will be suspended for at least a year. It is also a criminal charge, which can end individuals with consequences that include, but are not limited to:
- Fines that can range between $1000-$5000
- Jail time starting at three days and up to six months
- License suspension for one year
- DUI school
- Ineligibility for ARD Program
However, if you have refused to participate in a breathalyzer examination, which resulted in you being either charged, or convicted of a DUI you need an experienced, and dedicated attorney that can fight for your rights, and your peace of mind.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Attorney
Posted in DUI, Field Sobriety Tests | Comments Off
May 11th, 2012
Many factors go into an individual being charged for DUI. Driving under the influence is a serious crime that unfortunately causes accidents, serious injuries and even death each and every year. When an individual gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, or drugs they putting themselves at serious risk of all of the above. However, when a driver is under the influence they affect everyone that is around them whether it is a fellow motor vehicle operator, or pedestrian. However, do you understand one of the major factors associated with a DUI, field sobriety tests?
“I’m going to need you to step out of the vehicle”
A field sobriety test is a common aspect of a DUI, and DUI investigation. When an officer pulls over an individual for erratic, or reckless driving, which is believed to be the work of alcohol, or other drugs the investigation begins that moment. Officers will ask the individual the infamous question, “So how many drinks have you had tonight?”. From there, they will ask for your license and insurance, and also that you step out of the vehicle. You’ll then be asked to submit to a field sobriety test, which you have the right to refuse or permit.
It’s Test Time
The field sobriety test is designed to measure an individuals response, balance and coordination in order to see if they are under the influence. However, many individuals actually have trouble doing this field test even when they are completely sober. After you have been asked to walk a line here or there, or maybe around a cone you will probably be asked to submit to a breathalyzer examination. You can also refuse participation in this as well. You will be asked to blow in the breathalyzer in order for it to measure your blood alcohol content and register it on a scale in order to see if you are over the legal limit of .08.
However, many of these test and examinations have flaws, and are even faulty pieces of equipment that unfortunately aid in many individuals receiving false DUI charges, and later convictions. When you consider refusing a field sobriety test, or breathalyzer examination make sure to understand the consequences of such an action before deciding what your participation will be.
When you feel that your field sobriety test, or breathalyzer examination results have been falsified make sure to fight for your rights today by contacting an experienced DUI attorney.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Attorney
Posted in Field Sobriety Tests | Comments Off
May 10th, 2012
Driving while under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, illegal drugs, and other substances is a crime within the United States. When you participate in such an act you are impacting many varying factors that has to deal with your life and the lives of others around you. However, many people do not understand what a DUI can really do to your life legally, professionally, and personally and end up for more than they bargain for when getting behind the wheel of their motor vehicle under the influence. However, you can fight for your rights, and your reputation when it comes down to a DUI charge.
Fighting For Your Life
When you gain a DUI charge it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney in order to get the ball rolling. When you are charged with a DUI your life can be turned upside down. You can easily be fired from your job, and could possibly not find a job for a while. You can easily lose child custody to your former spouse. A DUI also can cause students to lose scholarships, and even enrollment status at universities and colleges. With all these potentially being able to take place you need an attorney that is going to be dedicated to getting you your life back.
What You Need To Win
In order to get the results you want and need you need to make sure that you have plenty of evidence that helps solidify you and the situation at hand. In the court of law you will need to make sure to have your personal account of what happened, that of any eyewitness accounts if applicable, expert witnesses, evidence dealing with your past, and possibly even your medical history. You need to make sure to trust your attorney on top of everything as well. When you are in the midst of a DUI case your attorney is there to make sure that you and your rights are represented in order to get you what is being sought after, your peace of mind.
When you have been charged with a DUI you need an attorney that you can count on to help fight for you, your rights, your reputation, and your future. Without an experienced attorney at your side you can easily lose your case in a matter of moments.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in DUI, DUI Defenses | Comments Off
May 9th, 2012
A DUI is a very serious crime that can cause serious injuries, and even take the life of individuals that cross its path. Many people assume that when an individual is charged with a DUI that is the result of having a little too much to drink and getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. However, that is not always the case, especially in this day age. Today, drug related DUIs are on the rise and are increasing each and every day. However, do you actually understand what a drug related DUI is and the consequences that it holds?
The Drug Aspect of DUI
As previously stated, many assume that a DUI is targeted primarily towards drinking and driving. Today, however, many individuals are getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while being under the influence of either prescription medications, or illegal substances. Prescription medications fall into this category for a few reasons. While some individuals are prescribed these medications, others are not and abuse these drugs heavily. Other times, individuals could drive under the influence of illegal drugs. No matter what drug you are taking and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle you are still putting not only yourself at danger of being injured or killed, but also other pedestrians and motor vehicle operators alike.
Consequences of The Crime
When an individual drives under the influence of drugs they are usually going to get the same punishment and consequences that individuals who drink and drive do most of the time. However, when it comes down to drugs harsher punishment can fall towards this individuals especially if the substance in question is illegal. When you are dealing with a DUI case and drugs are involved your case can get unpleasant fast. Some consequences for a drug related DUI case include, but are not limited to:
- Legal fines
- Lengthy Jail time
- Probation
- License suspension
- Rehabilitation programs
- Required therapy
- DUI school participation
- Lose of child custody
- Employment termination
- Further charges that are associated with actual drug possession
When you are involved in a drug related DUI, whether under false pretenses or not, you need an experienced DUI attorney to help you fight for your rights, your reputation, and your life. Make sure to contact and experienced DUI attorney today.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in DUI | Comments Off
May 8th, 2012
A DUI is a serious crime, especially since it can easily lead to the injuries and death of so many individuals in the blink of an eye. When an individual get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after having even just one drink they statistically raise their chance of being involved in an accident, or pulled over by a law enforcement officer due to erratic driving behavior. However, today college students are commonly associated with alcohol, and the abuse and misuse of it. Yet, are college students always at fault of drinking and driving?
The Library, Not Liquor
This time of year many students are nearing the end of another semester while some face going to college, others looking at what the next semester holds for them, and some even graduating many have one thing on the mind at the moment, studying. Finals are a very serious part of college that every student will have to experience every semester. Finals cause students to study for hours at a time in order to make sure that they are familiar and know the material, which can either make or break their grade and GPA.
Collegiate Problems
While one would think that adults, and authoritative figures would be proud, and respectful to students studying think again. Within the past several weeks many students have been on their way home from the library, or other studying venues and been pulled over for erratic driving suspected to believed due to drinking. Officers ignore the fact that these students have exams going on and instantly jump to conclusions when seeing them half asleep with blood shot eyes and try to pin a DUI on these students. Some cases even show that the college students were charged with the crime and had to sit in jail during one of their exams.
Facts of The Matter
When you are charged with a false DUI, you face the same obstacles and consequences as a individual who was truly drinking and driving out on the roadways. Your life can change in an instant and your future plans change to something you would never suspect. When you are falsely accused of drinking and driving make sure to contact a dedicated, and experienced DUI attorney today in order to fight for your rights, and your reputation.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in DUI, DUI FAQs | Comments Off
May 7th, 2012
Drinking and driving is a mistake that is out there within the United States today. Unfortunately, that mistake can leave many individuals with serious injuries, or even dead. When you drink and drive, or drive while under the influence of any drug for that matter you are putting everyone’s safety at risk. However, we as humans are bound to make mistakes here and there, even when it comes down to committing a crime. Even when you commit a DUI crime you have options as well in order to better the situation at hand. That option is the ARD Program.
The Facts About ARD
ARD, which stands for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, is a program that tries to help first time DUI offenders back on to their feet after their crime. After an individual has been convicted of their first DUI they have the opportunity to participate in the ARD program. Many people can participate in this program versus serving time in jail, but most do it in order to have their DUI charge expunged from their record. However, if a later DUI charge, and conviction occurs the former conviction will reappear on that individual’s record.
What You Can Expect With The ARD
When you commit to the ARD program you are committing to make sure that you are not hurt professionally, and even socially from your DUI conviction. However, you will have to abide by the rules of the program, which can sometimes impact an individual’s life greatly. Aside from paying fees, reporting in when needed to the appropriate entity, and participating in sessions, individuals also must have an ignition interlock device installed in their motor vehicle. An ignition interlock device requires the driver of the motor vehicle to blow into a tube that registers their blood alcohol content level. If the BAC score is above a certain score, which may be set at or below the legal limit of .08, the vehicle will not start.
The ARD program is something that individuals in the past, present, and future all have to be thankful for when it comes down to their DUI charge, and conviction. Make sure if you feel that you have the option to participate in the ARD program that you consult an attorney to know what all the options you have. If you feel that you have been charged falsely, or under wrongful circumstances make sure to get an experienced DUI attorney on your side today.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: DUI lawyer in Pittsburgh
Posted in ARD Participation, ARD Program | Comments Off
May 4th, 2012
Driving under the influence is a common crime within the United States today. Whether you are in a small community, or large urban area DUI offenders are all around. Drinking and driving not only contributes to many accidents and injuries each and every year, but also takes the lives of many as well. Driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or any other substance that causes the driver to be under the influence is a crime in all 50 states, which is punishable by the law. However, do you actually understand what a DUI is and everything that comes with it?
The Facts of A DUI
A DUI charge, and later conviction can happen in an instant. However, the majority of drivers that actually come face to face with the law and this crime are individuals who have had very little to drink. Of course, you will from time to time see individuals well over the legal BAC, or blood alcohol content, of the legal limit, which is set at .08 virtually nation-wide. Ultimately, individuals who have a drink or two and believe that they are sober enough to get from one point to another without having any issues. This ideology is what usually results in accidents, and arrests each and every day. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol, or other substances some driving patterns include, but are not limited to:
- Swerving from lane to lane
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Tailgating other drivers
- Random abrupt stops
- Speeding
- Failure to signal properly
The Consequences
When you are charged and later convicted of a DUI your life can change in the blink of an eye. Most of the time your consequences are very situationally and deal with factors such as if you’re a prior DUI offender, what your blood alcohol content score was, and if an accident, or damage was a result. Some consequences include, but are not limited to:
- Expensive fines
- License suspension
- Jail time
- DUI school required participation
- Probation
- Required to install an ignition interlock device
- Employment termination
- Lose of child custody
Make sure when you are charged, or convicted of a DUI that you fight for your rights and your options. To do so, you need an experienced DUI attorney at your side every step of the way.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: DUI lawyer in Pittsburgh
Posted in Costs of a DUI, DUI | Comments Off
May 3rd, 2012
When you commit a crime you can expect, or assume at some point that you will be caught, charged, and possibly later convicted. Many individuals do not understand all that this has, and holds from them, their present, and their future. When you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, or other drugs you can easily be arrested, and charged with a DUI. Yet, do you actually understand what all this charge entails? Especially the consequences that are not a direct punishment of the crime?
Say Cheese
When you are charged of a crime and taken into police custody you and your case have to be booked into the legal system. This includes lengthy paperwork, actual reports, and your photograph, which is known as a mug shot. One would think that your report and your mug shot would strictly stay legally confidential. However, that is not the case at all. Many states, including Pennsylvania, release mug shots on the internet, and some places even allow for your mug shot to be put in newspapers, or specialty papers, which can be seen in many stores.
What Your Crime Costs You
Your mug shot stays in the system forever unless it is appealed, or you are found to be innocent of the crime at hand. Yet, today we live in a world that reputation is everything. Whether or not you are charged, or convicted of a crime if your mug shot is even seen by others you can easily face consequences that include, but are not limited to:
- Employment termination
- Not being able to find future employment
- Being kicked out of rental property
- Loss of child custody
When you are charged with a crime you will have a mug shot before it is all over. This affects your life presently and in the future. Whether or not you are charged, or convicted of drinking and driving and found to be innocent, or guilty make sure to contact an experienced DUI attorney today in order to fight for your reputation, and any damages that your mug shot and your case has caused you.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney
Posted in White Collar Crimes | Comments Off
May 2nd, 2012
Drinking and driving, or driving while under the influence of any drug for that matter is a serious crime within the United States today. One would assume that with people knowing most of the risks associated with the crime that they would not contribute to the statistic even more. However, more and more individuals are getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after a drink or two and then getting either pulled over and charged with a DUI, or being involved in an accident. Yet, can you get a DUI as a passenger of a vehicle?
The Situation
One case shows just how serious a DUI really is, and how an individual’s action effects not only themselves when they drink and drive, but everyone else as well. A report stated that a couple of friends got into a car after a party and were headed home. The front passenger had a BAC, or blood alcohol content, of 0.21, which is well over the legal limit. The driver, however, had a BAC lower than the legal limit, which is set at .08. At one point of the drive home the passenger apparently grabbed the wheel of the vehicle while the car was in motion and the vehicle then collided with the median.
The Results
The passenger of the motor vehicle, not the driver, was charged with a DUI, and is now facing conviction. Whether or not you are the driver, or the passenger of the vehicle it is very important that you leave the driving to the sober individual to make sure that the fun permanently does not have to stop. Today the passenger of the vehicle now faces serious consequences, which includes, but is not limited to:
- License suspension
- Probation
- Jail time
- DUI school
- Expensive legal fees
- Possible employment termination
A DUI is a serious crime that affects your now, and later. When you have been charged of a DUI, whether it is falsely or circumstantial make sure to contact an experienced DUI attorney today in order to fight for your rights, and your reputation.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in DUI, DUI Penalties | Comments Off
May 1st, 2012
As we all know today we live in a generation that relies and focuses on technology. Today, DUI law enforcement even relies on technology. Breathalyzer exams, lab tests, and other forms are all necessary in order to detect the blood alcohol of an individual. However, some of these methods and forms of technology are not as reliable as they should be, and are even contributing to individuals being falsely charged, and later convicted of a DUI crime. However, a new piece of technology is now “shining light” on the situation of drinking and driving in Pennsylvania.
Brightening Things Up
Within the past year, a new piece of technology is now being used in many collegiate locations and cities in order to crack down on drinking and driving. The “alcohol-detecting flashlight” is a new gadget that has given a lot of new hope to many law enforcement agencies, and activists groups all over the country. The actual flashlight looks just like a generic one you could find at any store. However, it has a few more tricks then just turning a light on and off.
How It Works
The DUI flashlight is said to actually detect the blood alcohol content of an individual, or help officers determine whether the student, or individual in the vehicle has been drinking alcohol. Although the flashlight is known as a “passive alcohol sensor” the device can actually pick up some readings when it is within 5 to 10 inches of an individual’s mouth. It then indicates the level of alcohol the individual has consumed, which ranges from:
- Drinking lightly (1-2 drinks)
- Drinking moderately (3-5 drinks)
- Drinking heavily (above 5 drinks)
- No apparent drinking (0 drinks)
Statistics and Studies
Many studies have been done with the flashlights and drunken drivers that show that now officers are able to set a new standard. One particular study shows the actual results that are correlated with the flashlight. During the study, officers who used the flashlight had a better chance of distinguishing drunken drivers right off the bat, whereas officers who did not use the flashlight had more trouble determining the sobriety of individuals. The study showed that DUI arrests increased by 77% of actual offenders with the help of the flashlight.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: DUI lawyer in Pittsburgh
Posted in DUI Breath Testing | Comments Off
April 27th, 2012
As human beings we all know that we are very far from perfection. While the idea of perfection varies in many individual’s minds it is very clear that we as just regular people are bound to make mistakes, do things we later regret, and simply have an accident. Of course we will have to deal with various consequences and the punishment that might follow, but in the end we learn from our mistakes and take each and every experience to mind when faced with that of a similar one in the future. Yet, what happens when an individual engages in under age drinking?
Underage drinking is not a new concept by any means not only within the United States, but also worldwide. In the past, the drinking age was lower; yet, it has now risen in order to protect individual’s lives, and their futures. However, either way “kids will be kids” and sooner or later will either be faced with alcohol in the forms of peer pressure, or situational. When individuals are still underage they are still experiencing a lot of change in such a short amount of time. In saying so, do not be surprised if your children change from being completely dedicated to sobriety to experimenting with alcohol here and there.
Many parents and children alike assume that if an underage individual is associated with alcohol they will be punished no matter what the circumstances. However, that is not the case at all. Many states, including Pennsylvania, are beginning to focus not only eradicating underage drinking, but that of the idea, “you should wait to drink till your 21, but if not be responsible.” This is done to help promote the idea that mistakes happen, and if a situation occurs do not be afraid to seek out help.
Past cases show that when alcohol was used and abused by underage individuals that more incidents occurred with an individual suffering from alcohol poisoning, and even death. Today, if an underage individual reports a situation that drinking is occurring illegally in order to save themselves, or their friend from harm they will be granted amnesty. Studies show that when children feel that they will not get in severe trouble for participating in a little trouble, such as drinking, they are more likely to ask for help especially in dangerous and serious health related situations.
Make sure that you talk to your children about drinking and that they understand that it is illegal to partake in when under the age of 21. However, make sure that they know that they can always count on you when ever a problem arises as a result of drinking alcohol, or simply that you are always willing to pick them up in order to avoid driving drunkenly.
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!
Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in Underage DUI | Comments Off
|
